Preparations for the Mahakumbh to be held in Prayagraj are in full swing. There is a gathering of sadhus from all over the country in this historical and spiritual event. These sadhus also include Tangtoda Sadhu, whose selection process and tradition is considered unique and extremely difficult in itself.
Tangtoda Sadhu: A special tradition
Tangtoda Sadhus are among those ascetics who leave their family and worldly life and follow the spiritual path. These sadhus who offer Pind Daan to their parents and themselves are called Naga Sadhus in seven Shaiva Akharas, whereas in Bada Udasin Akhara they are called Tangtoda.
Tangtoda Sadhus are part of the core team of the Akhara, and the process of making them is extremely complex. Their selection is said to be more difficult than the interview for the Civil Services Examination of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Selection process to become Tangtoda
To become Tangtoda Sadhu, the Mahants and prominent saints of more than 5,000 ashrams, manthas and temples of Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udaasin Nirvani nominate their worthy disciples.
After this, they are presented before the Ramta Panch of the Akhara, who acts as an interview board. Ramta Panch asks them such esoteric and confidential questions, which can be answered only by a person who has served with the saints for a long time.
Why is interview more difficult than IAS?
Interview of Tangtoda Sadhus is considered difficult because:
- No Mock Interview: There is no mock test or training to prepare for it.
- Answers are not found in books: Answers to the questions asked are not available in any written text or book.
- Secret Questions: These ask questions on specific topics like Guru Mantra, Taksal, Chimta, Dhunda and Rasoi, which can be learned only through tradition.
ordeal for several days
This process continues for several days. After passing the tough exam:
- The disciple is taken to Sangam and bathed.
- He is given an oath to follow the traditions of Sannyasa and Akhara.
- After this, worship is done before the presiding deity.
Dhuna faces tough test
In the final test to become a Tangtoda, the disciple has to stay in a cloth (loincloth) under the open sky, in front of a dhuna (bonfire) for 24 hours for several days. This is a test of their dedication to the sadhu tradition.
Confidential questions and role of Ramta Panch
Ramta Panch asks him such questions which are related to the tradition of the Akhara and the life of the saint. These questions are extremely secret and their knowledge is obtained only through the Guru-disciple tradition. Ramta Pancha approves the process of Tangtoda only when he is completely convinced that the disciple is suitable for the ascetic life.
Shri Mahant’s statement
Shri Mahant Maheshwar Das of Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udasin says:
“The process of becoming a Tangtoda is extremely difficult. The disciple has to imbibe the traditions of the Akhara. “Secret questions are asked in the interview, the knowledge of which can be gained only after being in Guru Sangat for a long time.”